Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 29th, 2012–Jan 30th, 2012

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Little Yoho.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm snow amounts vary from 35 cm West side of the Wapta, 20-25 - Sunshine, 20 - Lake Louise, and 15 - Bow Summit. Moderate to strong west winds has created reactive touchy slabs. Expect sizable sluffs off cliffs with ongoing strong winds tomorrow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Recent control in Yoho & field obs in Kootenay confirm the Jan 20 facet interface still active. 70-100 m sits over this layer. If a skier or cornice failure triggered a storm slab, it could step down to the facet interface & become a larger slide.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

This layer is of concern in thinner snowpack areas. In Kootenay yesterday, a skier triggered a 60 cm thick size 1.5 slab, propagated 50 m on a 35 deg, open wind affected slope. Skier was carried 150 m and lost their pole - thx for the report!

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3